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Julia McKenzie as Miss Marple

Jemma 26 Aug 09 at 8:27 a.m. GMT

Julia McKenzie debuts as Miss Marple in A Pocket Full of Rye in the UK on 6th September at 8pm on ITV1.

What are your thoughts on the production?

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68 replies

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Tommy_A_Jones 15 Nov 11 at 2:44 p.m. GMT

There is only one Place where the ITV version of Sleeping Murder should go, The Bin, along with The ITV versions of Nemesis, urder is Easy, and Most of the other ITV versions of Marple

lgw 11 Nov 11 at 4:33 p.m. GMT

Willowspuppy,  thanks for the video information.

go_leafs_nation 28 Nov 09 at 4:17 p.m. GMT

darrelboy

I would stack The Sleeping Murder and The Moving Finger up against anything that's even remotely similar out there, both for quality and for being so wonderfully seductive. 

Be prepared for snipers firing out of windows, darrelboy. Sleeping Murder is quite hated on the site, and rightly so because of its poor plotting in order to include 'wonderful' themes prominently like drug abuse and attempted suicide.

However, you're quite right that the McEwan series often had some excellent production values when it comes to direction, music, and (most of the time at least) acting. The initial 20 minutes of Sleeping Murder, until the scene where everyone goes to Dr. Kennedy, are very well-done. It's extremely scary, and the supernatural feel of the book is perfectly captured. Then it goes downhill, as the changes make for a convoluted, very silly plot. The climax is also dumbed down from a horrific one-on-one confrontation with the killer to a "one-of-you-is-a-killer" climax. Not very effective.

Substitute Sleeping Murder with the opulent (and great in capturing atmosphere) By The Pricking of My Thumbs, and you have my total support. I actually prefer the Marple version to the French version, as the French one was more of a dark comedy, and not very scary, which is the atmosphere I got out of the book. And no one can replace June Whitfield as Mrs. Lancaster. "Have a glass of milk, my dear? It isn't poisoned today."

Tommy_A_Jones 28 Nov 09 at 1:10 p.m. GMT

There wasn't a Theatre Troop in The Sleeping Murder and the Doctor was too short and not scots UI think you must have been watching something else

darrelboy 28 Nov 09 at 1:11 a.m. GMT

The Marple series with Geraldine McEwan was a perfectly crafted example of what the cinema should be. Miss Marple may not have been written exactly as she played her, but she played her exactly right, according to the series' needs and the director's behest. She brought a perfect complement to the mood, and remains my favorite. I would stack The Sleeping Murder and The Moving Finger up against anything that's even remotely similar out there, both for quality and for being so wonderfully seductive. 

dagnyfan 11 Oct 09 at 1:21 a.m. GMT

Merrythought

I'm in Australia where we have already seen the new Miss Marple episodes. Much as I always enjoyed Joan Hickson's performances, she didn't fit my mental image of Miss Marple. I felt she was far too brisk and matter-of-fact, not 'fluffy' enough....However, I was delighted with Julia Mckenzie's portrayal. With her hesitant style of expressing herself and gentle manner, I felt she got much closer to my idea of the great lady. My only complaint is that there were too few new episodes!

I agree whole-heartedly.  I really love Julia McKenzie's Miss Marple.  To me, she IS Miss Marple!! 

Merrythought

I'm in Australia where we have already seen the new Miss Marple episodes. Much as I always enjoyed Joan Hickson's performances, she didn't fit my mental image of Miss Marple. I felt she was far too brisk and matter-of-fact, not 'fluffy' enough....However, I was delighted with Julia Mckenzie's portrayal. With her hesitant style of expressing herself and gentle manner, I felt she got much closer to my idea of the great lady. My only complaint is that there were too few new episodes!

Bundle_ 09 Oct 09 at 4:52 p.m. GMT

Welcome, willowspuppy! You have a nice moniker, btw. And thanks for posting the videos!

go_leafs_nation 09 Oct 09 at 1:02 p.m. GMT

Thanks so much for those interesting videos! Although, now I question Karen Thrussell's sanity. She mentioned things that they simply 'couldn't to' to AC's stories ('because she's fantastic'), which directly contradicts a lot of the stuff that's been going on with her as a producer.

At any rate, Julia is a fantastic Miss Marple, and I'm very glad that she's on board in the lead role.

willowspuppy 08 Oct 09 at 8:18 p.m. GMT

Hi all!

I'm a newbie here and i've really enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts on the new Marple! I thought McKenzie did well actually, i was throughly entertained!

I came across some behind-the-scenes videos from the new production 'A Pocketful of Rye' on YouTube, and i thought i'd post them here - hope that's ok, apologies if its's not, please let me know!

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGr5fz65V7Y"Julia McKenzie Interview</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY68xD-TLyE"Behind-the-scenes footage</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWMRcr6Tn6o"Ralph Little Interview</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-c0P82-qBw"Interview with producer, Karen Thrussell</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnzGZ702AUs"Interview with the Director</a>

Tommy_A_Jones 11 Sep 09 at 10:44 a.m. GMT

I think I have confused myself now, If S Sigerson is suggesting that the Actor in the 'Marple' episode couldn't do what the character does in the book then I gree Julia McKenzie would not say that as it is unkind as you say and it would be unprofessional of her and so S Sigerson is not JM but if Miss Marple said it in the Adaptation I can see Miss Marple saying it as that would be in the script as I said and as I said if it is in the script JM would have to say it as I think MM would.

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Sep 09 at 12:01 p.m. GMT

I was just about to say that perhaps S Sigerson meant it about the the Character not about the Actor (I have't read it yet and as it is on in UK later in the year perhaps I have a bit of time to read it to see how he is described as the Actors who have played the part before are totally different.

Bundle_ 10 Sep 09 at 11:14 a.m. GMT

I see your point, Tommy/Winne.

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Sep 09 at 11:10 a.m. GMT

Oh right, now I unbderstand, I haven't seen that one yet, but I think if it were in the script I think she would, If it is in the script any actor worth their salt would and I think MM would to prove her case and as she would be talking about the Murderer it wouldn't matter if he were offended, sorry Mole.

Bundle_ 10 Sep 09 at 10:59 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

I was just saying that I don't think Julia McKenzie would have called one of the actor's 'fat' (in They Do it With Mirrors) and that it would be difficult for him to run to murder the guy and come back And not be out of breath. It's a very interesting observation and one that makes a lot of sense - but can one imagine JM actually saying that about one of her cast mates along w/ critiquing the realism of the plot like that?

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Sep 09 at 10:53 a.m. GMT

You used the example that S Sigerson was criticising Murder With Mirrors  but didn't explain why that proves he or she isn't JM, also there are other cases where the reader has to imagine something that might be imnpossible happens so you using that as proof that S Sigerson IS NOT Julia McKenzie is a bit weak, you should have said how S Sigerson's post disproves he or she isn't JM.

Bundle_ 10 Sep 09 at 10:42 a.m. GMT

Now I'm confused. Could you explain why my post was not an apt example, please, Tommy.

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Sep 09 at 10:38 a.m. GMT

That's O.K. go_leaf, If I hadn't known who the MNurderer was I still wouldn't have liked the book.

To Bundle I have been thinking, your examoplke of S. Sigerson post to explain why he or she isn't JM is an odd one, I watcghed a programme a few years ago where a panel were talking about books and someone pointed oput that in 1 2 Buckle My shoe the drug used would have worked instantly but the victim was able to go back to his Hotel, go to bed and be discovered Dead in the morning. sometimes a little lisence must be allowed to make a story look right. 

go_leafs_nation 09 Sep 09 at 7:07 p.m. GMT

Sorry about that, but it WAS in the "For the Very Knowledgeable" section, so I didn't bother with regular precautions.

Tommy_A_Jones 09 Sep 09 at 10:53 a.m. GMT

I am sorry if one of my posts was thought to be paranoia and I am also sorry if my post lead to a book being ruined for anyone.

To Bundle I understood all that but I still don't understand your point if you had posted a bit more after quoting S Siggerson I would have understood.

To  S Sigerson I agree totally with you about Miss Marple being Melencholly in some of the books, I read The Mirror Crack'd From Side To Side recently and MM is Melewncholly in that although I would say reflective.

To go_leafs It is horrible having a book spoilt for you, On the old site on a Topic Characters you spoilt Endless Night for me, The topic was about Favourite Murderers so perhaps it would have been better if you had said 'The Murderer in Endless Night and not said the persons name, Like Bundle said I did not mean to cause offence by suggesting that JM is S Sigerson so I am sorry if I have.

Bundle_ 08 Sep 09 at 10:45 p.m. GMT

Let's just drop the whole thing.

BTW I too find S Sigersons opinions interesting and enjoyable to read.

go_leafs_nation 08 Sep 09 at 10:41 p.m. GMT

No, I agree that you disputed it. But all the same, the suggestions seem rather silly to me, and I decided to say so.

Bundle_ 08 Sep 09 at 10:39 p.m. GMT

But I never suggested it. In fact I disputed it. But Tommy didn't mean any harm :0).

go_leafs_nation 08 Sep 09 at 10:38 p.m. GMT

Well, looking back, there's been a lot of posts telling him to confess he's somehow involved in the series, is somehow biased, etc., and I think it reached paranoia when the suggestion came about that S_Sigerson was actually Julia Mackenzie.

Bundle_ 08 Sep 09 at 10:22 p.m. GMT

go_leafs_nation

I also think that this S_Sigerson paranoia is silly. S_Sigerson and I don't always agree, but our debates are rather interesting, and it doesn't merely mean that he/she is connected in one way or another with the production of this series. Their arguments are always well-constructed, and don't sound biased in the least.

I just put spoilers on both posts. I hope that I didn't ruin the plot for anyone. Apologies in advanced. But at the time I didn't think that it was a big deal to post those quotes here as I figured that everyone who would be reading/posting on this thread and watching the adapt had either A read the book or B if they haven't (like me) they didn't mind it being spoiled for them because they were going to watch it anyway.

go_leafs_nation

I also think that this S_Sigerson paranoia is silly. S_Sigerson and I don't always agree, but our debates are rather interesting, and it doesn't merely mean that he/she is connected in one way or another with the production of this series. Their arguments are always well-constructed, and don't sound biased in the least.

And no one's paranoid, go leafs, :0) I'm very sorry to S Sigerson if he/she thought so.

go_leafs_nation 08 Sep 09 at 6:08 p.m. GMT

I haven't seen it yet (and don't plan to until reading the book), but she WAS in Death in Holy Orders...Her character was Margaret Munroe.

S_Sigerson 08 Sep 09 at 5:42 p.m. GMT

I never realized Julia McKenzie was in Notes on a Scandal. I don't recall her being in it. Apparently she played a character called Marjorie. But I do remember her in Bright Young Things, she played Lottie Crump. And I seem to remember her in Death in Holy Orders. I think she was a murder victim in that one or am I thinking of someone else?  

And what do people think Manchester City's chances are without striker Carlos Tevez against Arsenal this coming Saturday? Tevez's injuiry looks painful.

go_leafs_nation 08 Sep 09 at 5:14 p.m. GMT

I don't mean to sound rude, but PUT A SPOILER WARNING ON BOTH POSTS! That reveals the entire solution.

Call me a stickler if you like, but the one thing I can't stand is a spoiled mystery.

Anyhow, Lansbury IS a good Miss Marple (her first scene in The Mirror Crack'd is rather hilarious and works very well), but she was far too young at the time. Also add the fact that the movie was set in the 50s, but felt very 80s-ish. The endless sex jokes/remarks and profanity added to that.

I also think that this S_Sigerson paranoia is silly. S_Sigerson and I don't always agree, but our debates are rather interesting, and it doesn't merely mean that he/she is connected in one way or another with the production of this series. Their arguments are always well-constructed, and don't sound biased in the least.

Bundle_ 08 Sep 09 at 4:26 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Tommy_A_Jones

I am sorry Bundle, I don't understand what point yopu are trying to make, perhaps if you had put more of your opiniuon after quoting S Siggerson I would understand more. 

Tommy you said that you wondered if Julia McKenzie was reading and or here as an active user on the forum. In my first sentence I meant that I had never thought about McKenzie reading this forum. Then I replied to you saying that I did not agree w/ you that S Sigerson was McKenize using a pseudonym name. To prove this I copied and pasted an old post of S Sigersons' to show you that I don't think the he or she, is McKenzie. The proof I have is the fact that S Sigerson said something negative about one of cast members/ characters - see here: I will mention how are we to be expected to believe an elderly overweight man ran around the house (a large one at that), up the flight of steps to the 2nd floor (1st floor in the UK), stab a person in the back, make the changes to the letter and be back downstairs within two minutes and here is the kicker - without working up a sweat and not be out of breath.

S_Sigerson 08 Sep 09 at 3:34 p.m. GMT

Geraldine McEwan is 5 foot 5 inches, Julia McKenzie is 5 foot 4 inches and Joan Hickson was around 5 foot 2 inches (she might have been a little shorter). Now Angela Lansbury is 5 foot 8 inches. In the books Miss. Marple is tall and thin. Angela Lansbury does have the height and with the right clothes (to make her look a little slimmer) and makeup she might make a pretty good Miss. Marple. Perhaps if they ever decided to do an adaptation of Miss. Marple for the cinema they will ask Angela Lansbury to be in the title role. At 83,  I doubt she would want to get involved in a televsion series, but she might be willing to be in a one off film.   

S_Sigerson 08 Sep 09 at 3:15 p.m. GMT

Miss. Marple is bright and cheerful in her own way. Yes, she is pragmatic and yes she doesn't shock easily. And yes sometimes she can be melancholy about the past like she was in At Bertrams Hotel (thinking about her younger days) or in Nemesis when she bemoaned the cost of marrons glaces and partridges (two of her favorite treats). Yet, overall Miss. Marple was happy with life. At the end of Sleeping Murder (the one with Joan Hickson) she is walking in the garden with Giles and Gwenda talking about the future in a bright cheerful voice with a lovely smile on her face. And at the end of Nemesis (once again the one with Joan Hickson) she meets Michael for the first time and there is a smile on her face. Yes, she is a little embarrased, but she was satisfied with the outcome of the case and being able to help Michael get his life back. I have never felt Miss. Marple was dark and gloomy from either the books or from any of the television adaptations with McEwan, McKenzie or Hickson.        

Tommy_A_Jones 08 Sep 09 at 1 p.m. GMT

I am sorry Bundle, I don't understand what point yopu are trying to make, perhaps if you had put more of your opiniuon after quoting S Siggerson I would understand more. To Puffinjill If Pantomimey isn't a word it describes brilliantly what the MKewen Episodes were like, I want to call it the Mkewen Era, and yest Julia McKenzie's portrayal has more restraint and is more appropriate for the Character of Miss Marple. I wish Julia McKenzie had been given the role when Geraldine MKewan had Ms Mken wasn't a pwerson I would have ever thought of for the part but now her name is in my mind I would have loved to see her as Miss M in A Murder is Announced.

Puffinjill 08 Sep 09 at 12:30 p.m. GMT

I thought sunday nights Marple was good viewing but I still consider the BBC adaptations, and Joan Hickson in particular, the benchmark of how really good Christie dramas should be done. I didn't get on with Geraldine McEwan in the role at all, but did enjoy the way the casts all seemed to be havig HUGE fun simply taking part. I don't want to be sniffy about ITVs series but I couldn't se exactly what they were trying to acomplish. It all seemed a little pantomimey (if there is such a word) to me but this new episode had less of that element. Julia Mckenzie played Marple with a little more restraint, but no-one can ever, ever compare to the sublime Miss Hickson in my eyes.

Bundle_ 08 Sep 09 at 11:14 a.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

Tommy_A_Jones

I hope that doesn't mean she is S Siggerson, I would hate to think I have been rude to such a brilliant Actress, The Artical also says that the same person can't be in 2 'Marples', I hope the do away with this rule as Craddock and Slack appear in more than one book don't they?   

I never thought that she might have become a user member and read the critiques, good thinking Tommy. However I do not think Julia McKenzie is S Sigerson because of a few things he/she said. I looked up a few of his/her posts in the Poirot/Marple in the US thread. Here is an example of a comment critiquing "They Do It With Mirrors":

"Though I will mention how are we to be expected to believe an elderly overweight man ran around the house (a large one at that), up the flight of steps to the 2nd floor (1st floor in the UK), stab a person in the back, make the changes to the letter and be back downstairs within two minutes and here is the kicker - without working up a sweat and not be out of breath. Even if he was able to do all this in 2 minutes there is no way he would not have worked a sweat especially wearing theatrical make-up, which doesn't allow your skin to breath very well.

And the Indian Chief Theaterical Production along with the ending in Wyoming? Really.....this is England..."

Tommy_A_Jones 08 Sep 09 at 11:05 a.m. GMT

Thankyou go_leafs for posting the link for that interview, I would love to know who else was on the list but we probably never know, I read an interview with Julia McKenzie to publicise the series but I can't remember where I read it and have not mastered the art of posting a link but in the interview it suggested that some of the short stories were being done, oersonally I don't think they can carry on with the series once all the Novels with Miss Marple are done although I have always thought it would be good if the short stories which include Miss Marple were done, the 2 in the Thirteen Problems which she tells at least, Although I don't think anyone agrees with me I think they should have done 'A Midsomer Murders' and have writers just have writers write Mysteries and include Miss Marple that to me would have been much better than putting Miss Marple in By The Pricking of My Thumbs, Why Didn't They Ask Evans, Ordeal by Innocense, The Sittaford Mystery etc. Julia McKenzie says in the interview she has checked and knows she has not been suggested on any sites, I hope that doesn't mean she is S Siggerson, I would hate to think I have been rude to such a brilliant Actress, The Artical also says that the same person can't be in 2 'Marples', I hope the do away with this rule as Craddock and Slack appear in more than one book don't they?   

go_leafs_nation 07 Sep 09 at 8:57 p.m. GMT

My prediction: not at all.

Bundle_ 07 Sep 09 at 7:29 p.m. GMT

Yeah, wolfbridge is right. I also think that they are going to re-make Endless Night (I heard that last year).

Plus they still have to do The Tuesday Club Murders.  It will be interesting to see how they tackle that. Will the different stories be done separately like a mini series or will they try to do it all at once?

wolfbridge 07 Sep 09 at 6:59 p.m. GMT

yes they will do some other Stories by Agatha with Miss Marple in it.

They are currently filming/filmed "The Mirror Crack'd from side to side" with Joanna Lumley reprising her role as Dolly Bantry. Also stars Nigel Harman, Victoria Smurfit and an stellar all-cast.

I predict "A Carribean Mystery" , also adding 2 non-Marple Stories. Or they could do some of the Short-Stories.

Personally, i do not see that much stuff to be left there to make good Marple Movies, and especially not for 2 more seasons.

go_leafs_nation 07 Sep 09 at 6:13 p.m. GMT

http://www.flintshirechronicle.co.uk/entertainment-flintshire/2009/09/07/julia-mckenzie-s-turn-to-be-miss-marple-59067-24626837/

That is an interesting article/interview about Julia Mackenzie's role in Marple. But this section here alarms me:

"The former Fresh Fields actress shouldn't think too much about packing up just yet. She's signed up for four years of Marple, making four episodes each year."

What??? Does this mean they're actually remaking McEwan's episodes? Even those awful ones??? Or have some writers gotten together and written some "ingenious" scripts "inspired by Agatha Christie"?

dumbledore 07 Sep 09 at 5:13 p.m. GMT

Having watched "A Pocket Full of Rye" with Julia McKenzie I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by how good she was. I thoroughly expected that no one could ever live up to the masterly Joan Hickson and I loathed Geraldine McEwan, but Julia McKenzie is really very good.  Hopefully the new stories she does will be as good.

shannon 07 Sep 09 at 2:15 p.m. GMT

I really enjoyed Julia MacKenzie as Marple last night.  I loved her outfit much more in keeping with my idea of how she looks.  Also enjoyed the adpatation which kept quite close to the book.  All the principal cast were very good.  Looking forward to seeing more of Ms Mackenzie as Marple.

Tommy_A_Jones 07 Sep 09 at 12:45 p.m. GMT

I LOVED it, There were tiny bits I didn't like for instance The Sex Scene but at least that happened between 2 Characters who I thought would have done that, and when the Policeman is interviewing someone Miss Marple is Standing against a Pillar and I thought that wasn't right, perhaps she would have sat with her back to them drinking tea or knitting but that is only minor and I thought when MM was talking to MM outside she wouldn't have her hands in her pockets but apart from that and the Graphics which haven't changed or the Title of the series I loved Julia McKenzies performance and look forward with cautious optimism to the others, I agree Joan Hickson has raised the bar very high but the gap between her performance and Julia McKenzies is so small, I am avery happy person, btw I liked the Hat I think it is a pity The Producer didn't, If they are going to continue with the harsh Graphics and keep calling it 'MARPLE' they could give us the hat as an Olive Branch 

Hamlet 07 Sep 09 at 11:16 a.m. GMT

I sat through the first hour of Pocket Full of Rye with Julia Mckenzie as the 'new' Miss Marple, and couldn't take any more.  Too much unnecessary background music, characterisations 21st Century, rather than 20th Century.  This portrayal of Miss Marple was too hearty, too full on, lacking in empathy.  Personally speaking, I am afraid that Joan Hickson has spoilt all other actresses playing this vital role in Agatha Christie's books.  Sorry Miss Mckenzie, I know what a marvellous actress and singer you are, but, for me, the role of Miss Marple 'died' with Joan Hickson, who made less seem more.

kyokat 07 Sep 09 at 10 a.m. GMT

I loved Geraldine McEwan's portrayal of Marple and was naturally hesitant about the role being adopted by Julia McKenzie. However, after last nights episode I feel that there are good things to come. I am still in the middle ground... not completely happy but not unhappy either. A bit like when the doctor changes in Dr Who XD.

Well I look forward to the further episodes and can't wait to see some of the original adaptations. I know they don't stick to the novels but it is always nice to experience Christie in different ways.

Tommy_A_Jones 06 Sep 09 at 12:34 p.m. GMT

High praise indeed, I will see this evening, One thing annoys me though when a Sports event or something triviual like X Factor is startting for a couple of days trhere is a countdown in the breaks, why can't ITV do that for AC Productions, I don't want to sound silly but AC Productions are my X Factor or Football if you know what I mean.

Bundle_ 05 Sep 09 at 9:30 p.m. GMT

I think Julia Mckenzie is the best Miss Marple. I thought it over. Of course I still have to see Joan Hickson adaptations, but from the pictures I've seen of her she just doesn't have a "I may look like just an elderly lady but I really am as sharp as a pin" kind of appearance. She looks like she's shrewd and knows things.

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Sep 09 at 2:06 p.m. GMT

I think I remember somewhere it being mentioned that Miss Marple was a Clergyman's Daughter but I have only read that recently so it must be mentioned in A Carribean Mystery, Nemesis or The Mirror Crack'd From Side To Side where I read it.

vintagewares 05 Sep 09 at 1:31 p.m. GMT

Call me old fashioned, but I believe Joan Hickson was the quintessential Miss Marple.  Her rather droll approach and "old pussy" way of dealing with things was, to me, what Miss Christie tried to portray in her novels.  Hickson's interpretation of her role seldom faltered in my opinion and she set the standard for future actresses.  Geraldine McEwan just didn't do it for me at all, I'm afraid and Julia McKenzie isn't too bad but too bright and cheerful.  Miss Christie didn't write her personality as bright and cheerful as we all know.  Marple was old before her time, all-knowing and just a tad jaded at what she saw of the seamier side of life in St. Mary Mead.  She wasn't shocked at much and her clergyman's daughter background prepared her for life in general.  She knew that some people were never going to be "right-uns" and Christie paves the way for her talent with a quiet, unhurried approach, even when she occasionally "dithered".

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Sep 09 at 1:15 p.m. GMT

I am looking forward to it also, I dissagree with you phlipper I thought Joan Hickson was Brilliant and also liked Angela Landesbury although I didn't think she was as Good but better than Helen Hayes although I haven't seen Murder With Mirrors for ages, I just hope Julia MKenzie is better than Geraldine MKewan and my faith in British TV can be slightly restored.

I agree It is annoying Britain is the last to see the series especially as Agatha Christie was British so you would think we would be allowed to see it first.  

phlipper 05 Sep 09 at 11:13 a.m. GMT

Looking forward to seeing Julia McKenzie's interpretation of the role. Joan Hickson never really did it justice in my opinion. Geraldine McEwan was good, but Margaret Rutherford is still the best. (Still, all were better than Helen Hayes and Angela Lansbury !! My god.)

Annoying though that most of world has already seen this new series before it even starts here.

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Sep 09 at 10:55 a.m. GMT

Where do Angela Landesbury, Helen Hayes and Margaret Rutherford sit in your opinnion S Siggerson? You might think that Geraldine MKewan resembled Miss Marple closer than Joan Hickson or Julia McKenzie but having read 4.50 From Paddington I don't think Ms MKewan was tall enough and that in my opinion was one thing in favour of Angela Landesbury although sadly she only played Miss Marple once although I think Julia McKenzie like Angela Landsbury might look too young for the role. I do think portraying the essence of a Character is in some ways more important than looking like the Character, When reading her books I have only pictured Geraldine MKewan when she is in bed and sits up suddenlly when she hears the phone ring in the first chapter of 'Body In The Library', We just think differently, I get felt she was laughing at the Character and the Many fans of Agatha Christie,  

S_Sigerson 04 Sep 09 at 11:30 p.m. GMT

On rare occasions an actor takes over a character so completely that he or she becomes that character. This is what happened with Joan Hickson and David Suchet. People fell in love with Joan Hickson’s Miss. Marple and David Suchet’s Hercule Poirot and not so much with Agatha Christie’s characters. There are those who never picked up an Agatha Christie novel and perhaps never will, yet thoroughly enjoy Joan Hickson’s  Miss. Marple and David Suchet’s Hercule Poirot nonetheless.  

Definitive implies the character portrayed on the screen perfectly matches the character found in the books.  As I demonstrated earlier with my example, this is not possible, unless the writer had a particular actor in mind when he or she wrote the stories and incorporated the characteristics including physical description and the personality of the actor into the fictional character.     

Physically, Geraldine McEwan resembles Miss. Marple from the books more closely than either Joan Hickson or Julia McKenzie does. Personality wise, Geraldine McEwan captures the fluffy, dotty (on the oustide that is) Miss. Marple from later stories. Now does that make Geraldine McEwan "the one and only Miss. Marple"? Of course not, Geraldine McEwan, like Joan Hickson before her and Julia McKenzie after her, interpret the character differently, but all three do their best to capture the essence of the character.

beekay 04 Sep 09 at 10:38 p.m. GMT

I agree the story that AC proposed Joan Hickson as the ideal MM is likley to be a PR exercise, based on a casual comment by AC. I rather prefer Geraldine McEwan and I like Julia McKenzie. But I have ordered some  DVD's of the Hickson version to re-evaluate. The current new MM series is good, except for Why/Evans, which is dire.

Cheers,

 Brian

http://belindalawrence.webs.com/

go_leafs_nation 04 Sep 09 at 5:30 p.m. GMT

I disagree. After reading the books, it is up to the individual's portrait of MM or HP to choose the definitive portrayal in film and television. Suchet, for instance, is often cited as the best Poirot. Hickson is usually cited as the best Marple. This is because they captured the qualities that made their characters who they were to readers worldwide.

Although McEwan was definately very much like an old lady, the flaw in her performance is that she would put any murderer on his guard. She couldn't really disguise her shrewdness in the way Julia Mackenzie and Joan Hickson did. That is why, although she is entertaining, she can hardly be called the definitve Marple. Mackenzie and Hickson, on the other hand, have got a very close competition going on.

Incidentally, have you seen Murder, She Said? Hickson doesn't look 55 in that film. At most, she looks 40-ish. That might have some influence on her quote.

S_Sigerson 02 Sep 09 at 3:32 p.m. GMT

Wikipedia mentions the same note, but nothing about Agatha Christie meeting Joan Hickson on the set of Murder She Said. Perhaps whoever transcribed the interview with Joan Hickson made a mistake. Or perhaps Joan Hickson made a mistake. People are are not infallible. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Hickson

This is a quote from the interview "She said to me, ‘Some day I would like you to play my Miss Marple.’ I was quite taken aback, as I was young at the time." In 1961 Joan Hickson would have been 55 years old, not that young. And throughout her career Joan Hickson did portray older looking women. If when she was 40 and could convincingly play a woman of 50, I see no reason why when she was 55, she could not portray a woman of let us say 65. If anything this interview, just might confirm the note from 1946. Even though as I mentioned before, everything I read on the Internet I take with a grain of salt. There is so much false information out there it boggles the mind.

However, my main point still stands, all three actresses in their own way are excellent in the role of Miss. Marple. There is no such thing as a definitive Miss. Marple. Had Agatha Christie written the novels with a particular actress in mind to portray the character on the stage or in films then I might agree. For example, Agatha Christie had written the role of Clarissa in Spider's Web specifically for the actress Margaret Lockwood, so Margaret Lockwood without question is the definitive Clarissa Hailsham-Brown.

S_Sigerson 02 Sep 09 at 3:24 p.m. GMT

Nope, not according to The New York Times....http://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/20/arts/joan-hickson-miss-marple-on-tv-dies-at-92.html. This is Joan Hickson's obit, which mentions the play and note.

Tommy_A_Jones 02 Sep 09 at 11:25 a.m. GMT

This is how Urban Myths are started, I thought Agatha hristie said to Joan Hickson when visiting the set of Murder She Said That she hoped one day Joan Hickson  would play her Miss Marple 

ampman 02 Sep 09 at 10:47 a.m. GMT

S_Sigerson

This could be one of those situations similar to P.T. Barnum who never actually said “There's a sucker born every minute”. However, he is attributed with saying it nonetheless. It’s possible some clever marketing person who worked for the BBC in the 1980s thought it would be good publicity if Agatha Christie had a premonition that one day Joan Hickson would be the perfect Miss. Marple. A little rumor was started about a note Agatha Christie sent Joan Hickson in the 1946 and voila you have an endorsement from the author herself. Agatha Christie passed away 1976, years before the series with Joan Hickson was made. Nothing of the incident is mentioned in Agatha Christie’s autobiography. Of course it is possible Agatha Christie had sent a note to Joan Hickson in 1946, while at the same it is just as likely this is just one of those urbane legends or myths or whatever they call it.   

I googled "Did Agatha Christie want Joan Hickson to play Miss Marple?" and found myself back on this very site on the Christie on Screen section "Interview with Joan Hickson". In this interview Miss Hickson states that she met AC on the set of a film in 1962 and it was then that AC said she would like her to play Marple one day.  So either JH was telling fibs or that really was AC's opnion.

Tommy_A_Jones 02 Sep 09 at 10:34 a.m. GMT

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I thought McEwan's Miss Marple was false and Hammy, from reading an Artocle with Julia McKenzie I can see what GM was trying to do butg I think she failed to achieve her Aim, Joan Hicksons Miss Marple was Kind but Commanding and could be hard when she needed to be especially when she faced the Culprit and made her face up to the fact that Verity wasn't sleeping and at peace but a Rotting Corpse who will never wake up, I will see on Sunday how Julias McKenzie does, I think it might be another case of Miss Marple being portrayed by someone who is topo young like Angela Landesburey did but if herportrayal is closer to Jon Hickson thanb Geraldine McKewan I weill be happy, in an Artical in the TVTIMes she lists Anna Massey and Geraldine James as 2 people who could play Miss Marple which I personally agree with so Julia McKenzie has the right Idea at least

Bundle_ 01 Sep 09 at 6:18 p.m. GMT

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I hope that I don't sound contradictory especially because I respect your opinion, S Sigerson, but I always thought of McKenzie as the fluffy one, and McEwan as shrewd. For example in They Do It With Mirrors Miss Marple can be seen hugging Carrie Louise after her husband tried to rescue his son: showing a very nurturing (or fluffy) side. And in Nemesis did you see how intense McEwan was when she confronted the culprit? Her eyes narrowed and her voice was steely.

S_Sigerson 01 Sep 09 at 3:59 p.m. GMT

Miss. Marple doesn’t get younger as the years progress, she becomes more pleasant. She started off in the Murder at the Vicarage “as the worst cat in the village” and by the time Nemesis is written Miss. Maple is just a pleasant, elderly lady with a shrewd mind from a small village. Agatha Christie liked the character Miss. Marple very much, so over the years she probably tried to make Miss. Marple more likeable and less of a gossiping old biddy. What you see is a fluffication of Miss. Marple.

Joan Hickson’s portrayal of Miss. Marple has a more acerbic tone similar to Miss. Marple of the earlier stories. While Geraldine McEwan’s portrayal has a more fluffy tone similar to Miss. Marple from the later stories. Julia McKenzie’s portrayal is somewhere in between, not as serious as Joan Hickson’s Miss. Marple, nor as fluffy as Geraldine McEwan’s Miss. Marple. However, what all three ladies have in common is each one did a stellar job bringing Miss. Marple to life. Each actress brought out a different facet of the character. Joan Hickson is an early version of Miss, Marple, Geraldine McEwan is a later version of Miss. Marple, and Julia Mckenzie is a mix of the two.

S_Sigerson 01 Sep 09 at 3:58 p.m. GMT

Whether or not Agatha Christie said that about Joan Hickson is highly debatable. Supposedly Agatha Christie sent Joan Hickson a note in 1946 after seeing Hickson in Christie’s play Appointment with Death. At the time Hickson was noted for playing middle aged spinsters. Now I have seen several films Hickson was in around that time. She does come of as a middle aged spinster, but she definitely does not come of as an octogenarian spinster by any stretch of the imagination. Miss. Marple’s age in the Murder at the Vicarage (the first novel she was in) is between 65 to 70. Joan Hickson was 40 years old in 1946. This could be one of those situations similar to P.T. Barnum who never actually said “There's a sucker born every minute”. However, he is attributed with saying it nonetheless. It’s possible some clever marketing person who worked for the BBC in the 1980s thought it would be good publicity if Agatha Christie had a premonition that one day Joan Hickson would be the perfect Miss. Marple. A little rumor was started about a note Agatha Christie sent Joan Hickson in the 1946 and voila you have an endorsement from the author herself. Agatha Christie passed away 1976, years before the series with Joan Hickson was made. Nothing of the incident is mentioned in Agatha Christie’s autobiography. Of course it is possible Agatha Christie had sent a note to Joan Hickson in 1946, while at the same it is just as likely this is just one of those urbane legends or myths or whatever they call it.   

Tommy_A_Jones 31 Aug 09 at 1:36 p.m. GMT

I think they are well worth spending the time on, I have the whole series JH did and love the, sadly I bought them before I had read all except 4.50 From Paddington but I can enjoy both the books asnd the series and when I have read a Miss Marple book I watch the Video, if I had time but last year I watched 1 every Sunday except A Murder Is Announced and Body In The Library which each are on 2 Video's but thankfully I found time to watch them, and there are slight changes in some, maybe all for all I know but I notice it more with some, so I would definiterly recommend buying them, I saw watching them as an antidote for the GM Adaptations I didn't like, I didn't hate all of them, I didn't think Murder At The Vicarage and A Murder Is Announced was too bad or 4.50 From Paddington, I am really looking forward to seeing formyself the series with Julia McKenzie, in Britain it starts on Sunday, Anyway I hope you do get the JH series, they have kept me entertained and Happy for Hours.

3rdGirl 28 Aug 09 at 7:45 p.m. GMT

I'll have to track some Joan Hickson episodes and DVD's down. I've only been reading and listening to AC for about three years now, so Geraldine McEwen is reallt the only Marple I have known until Julia McKenzie came along. I think I enjoyed the two productions she did that actually were Marple books and not the ones that weren't Marple books ('Murder is Easy' and 'Why Didn't they Ask Evans').

I really enjoy that cheeky factor to the current Marple productions that they have, and they are visually stunning as well.

I didn't know that AC had said that about Joan Hickson, so I am definitely keen to view them now. That's why these forums are so good, because you learn bits and pieces you never knew!

I guess my only problem is finding the time to read the books, listen to the audio podcasts and didgital radio presentations and now watch the DVD's!

ampman 28 Aug 09 at 3:38 p.m. GMT

Joan Hicks is my Miss Marple of choice and she was actually told by AC that she would be the perfect Marple. All others are pale imitations. I admit that I saw the television productions before I read the books and if I had based my image of MM on them I would picture an old lady of about 90 covered in knitted shawls. In some of the short stories she is dressed like Queen Victoria in black silk and lace caps but she seems to get younger as the books progress.

sussexspur 28 Aug 09 at 2:17 p.m. GMT

ALWAYS LIKED JULIA AND THINK SHE WILL DO WELL, NO ONE I SPOKE TO LIKED   GERALDINE McEWEN IN THE ROLE. SOME I KNOW DID NOT WATCH AFTER THE FIRST EPISODE AS THEY THOUGHT SHE DID NOT FIT THE ROLE, WITH  TOO MUCH OF HER OWN UNWANTED PERSONALITY COMING THROUGH HER PORTRAYLE

A LOT OF PEOPLE THOUGHT THAT IT WAS RUINED BY CELEBRITIES TAKING THE LEAD ROLES AND ALAS  NOT BEEN  GOOD ENOUGH ACTORS  TO REMOVE ALL THE BAGGAGE THAT CAME WITH THEM ..AND THUS SPOILT THE CREDIBILITY OF THE  PRODUCTION.,

EVEN MY 18 YEAROLD SON THOUGHT THE PRODUCTION WAS ALMOST A SEND UP OF THE STORY OR A TONGUE IN CHEEK VERSION AT BEST.

JOAN HICKSON FITTED THE ROLE 100% THE RIGHT SIZE THIN ETC AND IN HER ADOPTED  PERSONALITY TO A TEE. 

MOREOVER YOU CAN NOT ARGUE WHEN THE AUTHOR SAY`S THE SAME THING. IF YOU HAVE ANY AUDIO CDS OF JOAN  READING MISS MARPLE YOU REALISE HOW DIFFERENT THE ROLE WAS FROM HER OWN PERSONALITY AND HOW WELL SHE PLAYED MISS MARPLE, AS MY SON  ALWAYS SAYS JOAN HICKSON IS JANE MARPLE.

AS I SAID I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED JULIA AND KNOW SHE WILL PLAY THE ROLE REALLY WELL.

 I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT SHE WOULD MAKE A GOOD MISS MARPLE BUT FOR HER SIZE BUT WHEN CRANFORD WAS FIRST SHOWN  I WAS EVEN MORE CONVINCED AS SHE HAS LOST A LITTLE  WEIGHT LIKE SO MANY OF US AS WE GET OLDER. MOREOVER I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE THINK SHE REMINDS THEM A LITTLE OF A L IN MURDER SHE WROTE. SHE IS SUCH A GOOD ACTOR REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO  HER PORTRAYAL OF JANE.

3rdGirl 27 Aug 09 at 8:05 a.m. GMT

Hi Merrythought, I'm in Australia as well and saw them all too. Love the ABC. I enjoyed Julia McKenzie but I preferred Geraldine McEwen as she's so pink and fluffy, but nasty minded with it. My favourite was 'They Do it with Mirrors' as I loved seeing Joan Collins camp it up. She was great.

Merrythought 26 Aug 09 at 10:50 p.m. GMT

I'm in Australia where we have already seen the new Miss Marple episodes. Much as I always enjoyed Joan Hickson's performances, she didn't fit my mental image of Miss Marple. I felt she was far too brisk and matter-of-fact, not 'fluffy' enough....However, I was delighted with Julia Mckenzie's portrayal. With her hesitant style of expressing herself and gentle manner, I felt she got much closer to my idea of the great lady. My only complaint is that there were too few new episodes!

Hamlet 26 Aug 09 at 1:31 p.m. GMT

Obviously, I haven't seen Julia McKenzie in this role yet, but Joan Hickson will be very hard to beat.  Whenever I read a Miss Marple book it is Joan Hickson's face and voice that I have in my head.